Torrential downpours drenched Maui on Thursday, prompting emergency officials to issue an evacuation warning for a national park district and triggering widespread flash flood warnings across the island.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency issued the evacuation warning at 10:43 a.m. for the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park at the request of the National Park Service, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Officials noted that an evacuation warning indicates a potential hazard to life and property, advising residents with pets, livestock or special assistance needs to consider leaving before mandatory orders are enacted.
Slow-moving storm drenches Haleakala slopes
The National Weather Service initially declared a flash flood warning for Maui at 8:55 a.m. and later extended the alert until 2:45 p.m. local time, KITV reported. Weather radar detected rainfall rates ranging from 1 to 2 inches per hour over windward and southeastern portions of the island, with storm clouds lingering almost stationary along the eastern flanks of Haleakala.
Waterways responded quickly to the intense runoff. Forecasters reported that streams including Oheo Gulch were rising rapidly, elevating the threat of flash floods across drainage basins, highways, streets and low-elevation communities. Locations placed under threat included Hana, Kipahulu, Nahiku, Keanae, Kaupo, Huelo, Makawao, Pukalani, Haiku-Pauwela and Haliimaile, according to weather service alerts.
A broader flood watch remained posted for Maui County and Hawaii County through 6 p.m. Thursday, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. Some sections of East Maui had already recorded more than a foot of rain over the previous 24 hours, leaving the terrain saturated and vulnerable to rapid runoff.
Community impacts and road closures
The severe weather caused immediate disruptions to local infrastructure and educational facilities. The state Department of Education closed Hana High & Elementary School on Thursday due to the storm conditions, according to news reports.
Travel along the island’s eastern coast encountered hazards early Thursday morning. The state Department of Transportation reported that a large boulder blocked one lane of Hana Highway near mile marker 13.5, prompting cleanup crews to respond.
To assist displaced residents and travelers, Maui County opened a temporary evacuation site Wednesday night at Helene Hall along Keawa Place in Hana. Officials confirmed that the gathering point would stay open until flood conditions subside, KITV reported. Authorities advised those seeking shelter to bring their own basic necessities, as the site does not operate with full shelter supplies, though crated pets are permitted.
What lies ahead
County officials urged residents who must evacuate to head for nearby high ground or designated shelters rather than traveling extensively along fragile or water-covered roadways. Forecasters repeated crucial safety cautions, warning motorists to never attempt driving across inundated thoroughfares, noting that most flood-related fatalities take place inside vehicles.
Forecasters expect weather conditions across the Hawaiian Islands to gradually stabilize starting Thursday evening and extending into Friday. Traditional tradewinds are projected to return over the weekend, before a weather front arrives early next week to usher in cooler, drier atmospheric conditions across the region.
